Harrisburg - Moniteau High School FFA students from West Sunbury, Butler County, gave a taxidermy demonstration on the Family Living Stage the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show. The team included Karlie Bly, Caitlyn McDinnis, Samantha Layton and Richard Zedreck.

The team used three raccoon hides for the demonstration showing the tools used to skin the hide and strip the flesh, and explained how the hides are dried and then mounted.

McDinnis joined FFA three years ago, saying the experience helped her become more open to new activities like learning about taxidermy, something she "never thought I'd do," and has provided her the chance to meet many new people.

The group wanted to choose a unique topic so their FFA advisor and animal science teacher, Bryan Dean, suggested taxidermy. Starting at the beginning of the school year, the students began researching the project using the internet and books, and practiced their skills on hides brought in by teachers and other students who hunt.

The presentations were judged on the educational subject matter, accuracy of information, materials used, FFA apparel of the presenters, public speaking skills, and visualization of the presentation.

The judges for the competition were first-year judge Ron Frederick, Dave Howell, professor of Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire and third-year judge, and Phil Crown, a first- judge but 15-year advisor for the competition.

The Moniteau students were pleased with their presentations. "It went a lot better than our practice sessions," said Bly. The group is already planning Ideas for next year's competition including composting or making turkey calls.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 290 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 8-15 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.

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FFA Students Caitlyn McDinnis, Karlie Layton, Samantha Layton, and Richard Zedreck from Moniteau High School of West Sunbury, Butler County gave a demonstration presentation on taxidermy for a FFA competition at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show on Monday, Jan. 10.

Demo FFA Students Caitlyn McDinnis, Karlie Layton, Samantha Layton, and Richard Zedreck from Moniteau High School of West Sunbury, Butler County demonstrates stuffing a raccoon on Monday, Jan. 10 at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

AI Demo. Brian Irlbacher, Randy Brown, Ryan Odrechowski and Josh Bombara from Moniteau High School of West Sunbury, Butler County demonstrated artificial insemination for a FFA competition on Monday Jan. 10 at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Shaver's Creek The golden eagle, one of the raptors at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center in Petersburg, Centre County, perches upon the arm of Jon Kauffman of State College, Centre County during the Shaver's Creek Environmental Centers wildlife demonstration on Monday, Jan. 10 at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Bekka R. Bekka Rousek of Carrollton, Ga., gave a demonstration on wheat weaving to the public on Monday, Jan. 10 at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Square dancing Joe and Barbara Allis of Galeton, Potter County demonstrate square dancing in the Main Hall on Monday, Jan. 10 at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show.